Joey Essex and Amy Willerton have been growing closer in the jungle (Picture: Rex Features/ITV)

Willoughby added: ‘In a weird way I was sort of hoping that she wasn’t going in, because I like the Joey/Amy romance.’

And Schofield insisted: ‘You don’t want to put someone else in the way to potential new love do you?’

Sam herself had already taken to Twitter soon after reports of her being en route to the jungle began to emerge.

‘Am going to ignore all the mags & papers , and not let them ruin my week.. Love it when they say ‘source’,’ she said – all but denying the rumours herself.

Joey and Amy – the current Miss Great Britain – have grown predictably close over the past few days, with Amy flirting up a storm by way of back massages, cuddles and parading around in one of her many bikinis.

While Sam may not be lining up a date with the jungle any time soon, rumours of new arrivals continue to persist, given the show’s tendency to send newcomers into camp midway through the series.

Last year saw 80s pop star Limahl and chef Rosemary Shrager as late entrants, while Sinitta and Pat Sharp were the latecomers in 2011.